Bridgeless PFC Current-Sensing Control for Zero-Voltage Turn-On

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bridgeless PFC circuits face challenges with high voltage fluctuations in switch elements, requiring stringent sampling control and weak signal anti-interference capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A bridgeless PFC circuit with a control module that collects current through a current sampling element, controlling the switch element to turn on based on the current threshold, thereby implementing zero-voltage turn-on and enhancing signal anti-interference capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage of switch element is detected to generate control signal, then zero-voltage turn-on of switch element is achieved, but sampling control circuit requires high performance and has weak signal anti-interference capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezero-voltage turn-on reliabilityVSAvoidsampling control circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a current sampling element as an intermediary to indirectly obtain switch element current information, avoiding direct voltage sampling. This mediator converts the difficult voltage measurement into easier current measurement, reducing the performance requirements of the sampling control circuit while maintaining zero-voltage turn-on capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the voltage-based control mechanism with a current-based control mechanism. By substituting voltage detection with current detection through the sampling element, the system achieves the same control objective with simpler circuit requirements and better anti-interference performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If voltage of switch element is detected for control signal generation, then switch element turn-on control is achieved, but delay requirement on sampling control circuit is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch element controlVSAvoidsampling control delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes voltage-based timing control with current-based timing control. Since current changes more gradually than voltage, the sampling control circuit has more time to accurately detect and respond, significantly reducing the delay requirement while maintaining proper switch element control timing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If voltage of switch element is detected, then control signal is generated, but signal anti-interference capability is weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal generation efficiencyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The current sampling element serves as a mediator that provides a more stable and interference-resistant signal source. By measuring current through this dedicated sampling element rather than detecting voltage directly from the switching node, the system achieves better noise immunity and signal integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from voltage to current. Current signals inherently have better anti-interference characteristics in power conversion circuits, and by monitoring current through the sampling element, the system achieves more reliable control signal generation with reduced susceptibility to electrical noise and interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4148966B1Bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) circuit
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4148966B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4148966B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4148966B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5

AI summary

A bridgeless PFC circuit includes: A control module collects a current flowing through a current sampling element; and when the current flowing through the current sampling element is greater than a first threshold, the control module controls a switch element to be turned on. Based on the current flowing through the current sampling element, the switch element can be controlled to be turned on, thereby implementing zero-voltage turn-on of the switch element. Because the collected current does not change abruptly, a delay requirement on a sampling control circuit included in the control module is lowered, and a signal anti-interference capability of the control module is strong.